GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
COLT MODEL 1911 BLACK ARMY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. COLT 1911 328439 45 ACP MODERN; C&R Cal. 45 ACP. Usual configuration with 5" bbl, that has "P" & "H" on the skirt parallel to the bore. Slide has usual markings with Rampant Colt in the center. Right side of slide has standard 1911 U.S. Army markings. Left front side of frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and it has the Springfield Eagle and "S8" inspector mark above the magazine release button. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by one orig two-tone military magazine. This pistol was produced late in 1918 shortly before the war had ended. Very likely it would have been issued during that conflict. Regardless, these pistols remained in service through the 1920s & 1930s, through WWII, Korea & Viet Nam, well into the 1970s & 80s, until replaced by the Beretta 9mm. The brushed blue/black finish of these pistols is rather soft and easily worn with simple handling & carrying in a holster and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Once the 1911 was declared surplus, a large majority of them were sold either to foreign governments or to American sportsman through the DCM (Division of Civilian Marksmanship) / NRA. Most of those pistols sold to the American public were altered into target pistols, further reducing the number of remaining orig pistols. CONDITION: Very fine, overall retains about 95% strong, orig brushed blue/black finish showing light edge wear and some minor dulling over top of slide. Frame shows light flaking on the bottom front & right side which is now a barely noticable dark patina. Front strap & spring housing are fine, slight thinned on front strap with a small nick and a couple spots of flaking on spring housing. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49432-145 JR (4,000-6,000)